Measurement of the 2S 1/2–2P 3/2 level splitting in muonic helium: A test of quantum electrodynamics predictions on electronic vacuum polarization

• DOI: 10.1007/bf02785662
• Publication Date: 2008-01-18T16:08:02Z
• Authors: G. Carboni; U. Gastaldi; G. Neri; O. Pitzurra; E. Polacco; G. Torelli; A. Bertin; G. Gorini; A. Placci; E. Zavattini; A. Vitale; J. Duclos; J. Picard
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 7. Clean energy; 01 natural sciences

The results of a measurement of the 2S1/2-2P3/2 energy difference in the (μ4He) muonic system are presented. Full account of the experimental method as well as an up-to-date review of the pertaining theoretical predictions are given. The obtained results show a good agreement with QED predictions; the electronic vacuum polarization term of order α is checked with a relative accuracy of 5·10−3.